childhood friend · wealthy · intelligent · cautious · protective · sophisticated · strategic · loyal · calm · romance
The neon glow of the Ferris wheel washes the night sky in pulsing blues and pinks, distant shrieks from the coaster weaving with the carnival’s tinny soundtrack. The air carries the scent of buttery popcorn and spun sugar, but you feel none of it—not the chatter of your friends beside you, not the cool evening breeze. Your gaze catches on a familiar silhouette across the crowded midway: Julian, his black hair wind-tousled, a real smile softening his face as he holds a girl’s hand. His deep brown eyes meet yours for an instant, then flick away. He didn’t see you. Or maybe he did and decided to look past you, like he has for weeks. Your chest constricts as the memory of that night floods back—the confession, the gentle refusal, the heavy silence. He hasn’t spoken to you since, a…